Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Highlands, CA (2024 Update)
- North Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Highlands
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in North Highlands.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Highlands, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average North Highlands homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,491 with the federal tax credit, or $10,712 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,407 |
| 3 years | $-4,238 |
| 5 years | $-2,069 |
| 7 years | $100 |
| 9 years | $2,269 |
| 11 years | $4,438 |
| 13 years | $6,607 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $10,944 |
| 19 years | $13,113 |
| 21 years | $15,282 |
| 23 years | $17,451 |
| 25 years | $19,620 |
Top Solar Installers in North Highlands
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in North Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Highlands
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in North Highlands: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Highlands to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in North Highlands is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $24,880 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,562 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,438 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,509 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,774 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,233 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,887 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,735 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's North Highlands, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Highlands?
The average cost of solar panels in North Highlands is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Highlands?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Highlands, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.